A woman from Plymouth swam the length of the Normandy beaches during the month of June to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, which supported her dad after he lost his sight.
Linda Horwell, 64, took on the challenge as part of Blind Veterans UK’s Armed Forces Month campaign which saw supporters raise money in a variety of ways from climbing mountains to hosting afternoon teas.
Linda chose to swim lengths of her local swimming pool to total 47km, the combined length of the Normandy beaches.
Starting her challenge on 1 June, Linda completed the 11.5km length of Gold Beach on the anniversary of D-Day. She went on to complete the length of Juno Beach on 13 June, Sword Beach on 20 June and Omaha Beach on 24 June.
Linda says:
“I had just one beach left which was Utah Beach at a length of 5km. I wanted to complete this in one swim on Armed Forces Day itself. By the end of the challenge, I’d swam 47.22km in 27.45 hours.
“I felt emotional when I finally finished and couldn’t believe I’d done it. I kept thinking of my dad, who ironically couldn’t swim!”
Linda’s dad, Rupert, died earlier this year at the age of 96 following a short illness and Linda wanted to do something to honour him while supporting Blind Veterans UK as the charity supported Rupert for ten years after he lost his sight due to macular degeneration.
Linda says:
“Dad was my hero and Blind Veterans UK were so helpful to him when his sight failed. He enjoyed the contact of his support worker and the time he spent at the charity’s centre. To be able to raise money for Blind Veterans UK so they can help others would be a way to honor them and Dad. 47 is also a number that is synonymous with Dad, as 4th of the 7th is his birthday.”
In 1947 Rupert was 19 years old and completing his National Service as a driver with the Royal Artillery. He was based in Palestine in the final months before the withdrawal of British troops in 1948. He spoke about this time two years ago and said:
“My primary responsibility was to transport personnel and supplies between various military posts scattered across the region. The roads were treacherous, not only due to their physical state but also because of the ever-present threat of attacks by various militant groups. We had to be vigilant, checking the vehicle for sabotage and ensuring we were always ready for a quick escape.”
Linda has raised £1,105 for Blind Veterans UK. There is still time to support her: Justgiving.com/page/lind-horwell-bv-47k
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp
